Fancy flowers in hot pink bloom for 2-3 months. These gorgeous coneflowers are well branched with sturdy flower stems. Compact at only 24-28" tall. Perfect for cutting. They thrive even in intense heat and humidity!

Zone
This refers to the USDA hardiness zone assigned to each part of the country, based on the minimum winter temperature that a region typically experiences. Hardiness zone ranges are provided for all perennial plants and you should always choose plants that fall within your range.

5-9

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

24-28 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

18-24 inches

Bloom Season
The time of the year when this product normally blooms.

Fall, Summer

Resistant To
Adverse garden conditions, such as heat or frost, deer or rabbits, that this product can tolerate well.

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.

If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots

Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Sowing Directly in the Garden:

Direct sow in late summer at least 12 weeks before the ground freezes.

Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.

Sow seeds evenly and cover with 1/4 inches of fine soil.

Firm the soil lightly and keep it evenly moist.

Seedlings will emerge in 10-20 days.

Planting Potted Plants in the Garden:

Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.

Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.

Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.

Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.

In colder regions, apply another layer of mulch (1-2 inches) after the ground freezes in fall. Evergreen boughs (from Christmas trees) provide additional protection. Remove this mulch in the spring.

Divide perennials when plants become overcrowded, bloom size begins to diminish or plants lose their vigor. Divide echinacea every 3-4 years. Divide in spring or fall. When plants are dormant in spring or fall, dig clumps from the ground and with a sharp knife or spade, cut into good sized divisions, each with several growing eyes and plenty of roots. Remove any dead or unhealthy plant parts and cut back stems. Replant one division where the plant was originally and plant the extra divisions elsewhere in your garden or give them away to gardening friends. Plant the divisions immediately, or as soon as possible, and water well.

Many gardeners do not cut back perennial flower seed heads in the fall, but wait until early spring before the new foliage appears. This provides food for wildlife over the winter.

Cut flowers when blooms open. Cones may also be cut for dried arrangements.

Echinacea is a terrific plant for the pollinator garden.

Product Details

Zone

5-9

Sun

Full Sun

Height

24-28 inches

Spread

18-24 inches

Bloom Season

Fall, Summer

Resistant To

Cold, Deer, Drought, Heat, Rabbit

Ornamental Use

Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

Planting Time

Fall, Spring

Genus

Echinacea

Life Cycle

Perennial

Reviews

Echinacea, Pink Double Delight is rated
5.0 out of
5 by
2.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Vintgirl from
Easy, profuse bloomerI purchased two of these this spring. Color starts out pale but darkens to a beautiful medium pink. The color blends very well with other pinks. Has bloomed profusely this first year with minimal care. No problems other than a few of the flowers never formed the drooping petals. The plant performs very well here in humid, coastal South Carolina.

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
DeeChastang from
Healthy growerHad multiple flowers from the very beginning! Second round of blooms were very healthy looking. I love them! I think echineachia will be a staple in my new garden. Very happy with them.